The U.S. economy added 115,000 jobs in April, nearly double the forecasted figure, while the unemployment rate held steady at 4.3 percent according to official data released by the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS). This marks the second consecutive month that employment gains surpassed Wall Street consensus estimates.

The report highlights significant growth in health care—adding 37,000 jobs—and transportation and warehousing, which rose by 30,000. Retail trade contributed 22,000 new positions, while social assistance gained 17,000 roles. Federal government employment declined by 9,000 in April, continuing a downward trend that has reduced federal workforce levels by 348,000 since October 2024.

BLS data also shows an increase of 445,000 workers employed part-time for economic reasons, bringing the total to 4.9 million. Revised figures for February and March employment indicate a combined adjustment of 16,000 jobs lower than previously reported. Average hourly earnings rose 0.2 percent in April and 3.6 percent annually, with the average workweek extending to 34.3 hours.

Acting Secretary of Labor Keith Sonderling emphasized the report’s implications for economic recovery under current administration policies. He noted that private-sector job growth exceeds 700,000 positions since the start of the administration and linked the gains to tax policies and onshoring initiatives. The federal workforce contraction was described as evidence of reduced government operations while bolstering private sector activity.

National Economic Council Director Kevin Hassett projected potential acceleration in U.S. economic growth, citing March’s 3.3 percent investment surge and expectations that capital spending could drive annual GDP expansion beyond current estimates. The administration frames the April jobs report as an early indicator of sustained private-sector momentum rather than a temporary statistical anomaly.